Greenville Unveils Southern Voices Anthology Celebrating Poetry and Regional Identity

Greenville Celebrates Poetry and Place in New Anthology

Greenville, SC—In the heart of the Upstate, a new anthology is making waves, celebrating the rich tapestry of Southern life through the art of poetry. Titled Southern Voices, this 410-page collection brings together the works of 50 poets, each sharing their unique senso of place. Compiled by editors Tom Mack and Andrew Geyer, this anthology is a heartfelt homage to the South’s diverse landscapes, stories, and emotions.

Rains and Reflective Moments

As the weather cools, with early morning fog and a chance of scattered showers in the forecast, the idea of curling up with a good book of poetry couldn’t be more appealing. According to local weather reports, we can expect a high of 77°F today, with afternoon rain showers expected to add a nice touch of rhythm to our surroundings and a cozy atmosphere perfect for delving into art and literature.

Tonight, the temperatures will drop to around 64°F under partly cloudy to cloudy skies. So, perhaps after enjoying your favorite warm drink, you’ll be inspired to ponder the stories and places woven into the fabric of Southern poetry.

Bringing Southern Voices to Life

The Southern Voices anthology is more than just a collection of poems; it’s a celebration of identity, connection, and a sense of community. For Glenis Redmond, Greenville’s first poet laureate, the task of writing about place is deeply personal. Her contributions reflect on her family’s history and the cultural landscape shaped by the past.

In one of her featured poems, she pays tribute to her ancestor, Peg Leg Bates, a vaudeville tap dancer whose remarkable story intertwines with the history of the land. “We’re impacted by our environment,” Redmond shares, emphasizing how the legacy of those who came before us remains alive through our stories.

Voices Across Borders

In addition to the poignant verses from South Carolinians, the anthology collects varied perspectives from Florida to Texas, showcasing the vastness of Southern experiences. Ed Madden, the first poet laureate of Columbia, aims to highlight the rich variety in Southern literature, stating, “The South gets collapsed in the national imagination as one monolithic kind of place.” His goal through this collection is to challenge that stereotype, revealing the stunning differences that exist across regional landscapes.

Other poets like Libby Bernardin draw inspiration from their natural surroundings. In her poem that reflects the coastal marshlands, she captures the intricate beauty of local life, anchoring the reader’s imagination in the sights and sounds of the South. Every poem serves as a window into distinct places, memories, and emotions that resonate with readers.

An Invitation to Connect

As the anthology makes its way onto bookshelves, upcoming readings promise to bring these words to life. On November 14, 2022, poetry lovers can head over to All Good Books in Columbia, where Mack will read alongside South Carolina poets Redmond, Madden, Bernardin, and Ellen Hyatt. The following week, on November 25, he’ll appear at M. Judson’s in downtown Greenville, sharing insights and verses with fellow poets from both South and North Carolina.

Closing Thoughts

The Southern Voices anthology is a testament to the rich history, culture, and ongoing stories that shape the South, compelling readers to find connections with the land and the people who inhabit it. “The land is full of stories,” Redmond notes, reminding us that engaging with poetry can help us better understand our surroundings and the unique narratives of those who came before us.

This latest collection not only enriches the literary landscape but invites all to turn the pages and immerse themselves in the creative voices that illuminate the South’s complexity, vibrancy, and profound sense of place.